WARNINGS have been sounded that someone could die due to the rundown state of Skinningrove jetty.

The jetty is not only unsightly but also dangerous and could claim a life.

Cllr Barry Hunt has been fighting to improve safety at the jetty for 10 years and says urgent action is now needed.

“There have been a few accidents as a result of the condition of the jetty,” he said.

“In 2008 a man broke his back and earlier this month there was another bad accident when a fisherman fell and also broke his back.

“These people are lucky not to have lost their lives and the emergency services were called out at great cost to the public. One day someone could die.”

He said the jetty was used by people of all ages to fish from. It was one of the best fishing spots in the North. Many children used it in the summer.

“Although the council is looking into the possibility of restoring the jetty, first and foremost the council needs to ensure it is safe to use,” he added.

“The jetty is not just part of the sea defences but is also a big part of the area’s rich history of ironstone mining.”

Cllr Hunt raised the problems over the jetty’s safety at a recent meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Council.

But colleague Councillor Helen McLuckie, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Cabinet member for highways, planning and transport, said people should heed the no trespassing signs and not go on to the jetty.

She said a lot of money had been spent trying to prevent the public accessing the jetty.

“People should not be going on to the jetty to fish,” she said.

“Warning notices have been put up and have been vandalised or ignored.

“Any person entering that area is trespassing. They should not be encouraged to fish off the jetty.

“It has been fenced off but because of vandalism and damage people can get access. Do Not Trespass signs are there for a reason.”